Never Pilfered!…Akwa Ibom Govt Steps In When Federal Allocation Falls Short — ALGON Declares

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Akwa Ibom State chapter, has dismissed claims suggesting that local government chairmen rejected federal allocations, insisting that no such incident ever occurred.

ALGON said there was no basis for the assertion that chairmen turned down funds, stressing that no local government chairman in the state rejected any federal allocation at any time.

“For the avoidance of doubt, no Local Government Chairman in Akwa Ibom State rejected any federal allocation,” the association said, adding that the claim does not reflect the true situation on ground.

The association described the suggestion as inaccurate and inconsistent with the realities of governance in the state.

According to ALGON, the idea that local government chairmen would act in defiance of a state government that has consistently demonstrated support for the local government system is unfounded.

“It is illogical to suggest that chairmen would dare a government that has remained supportive of grassroots administration,” the association noted.

ALGON explained that when federal allocation fell short, the Akwa Ibom State Government intervened promptly by providing grants to local governments to cushion the impact of the shortfall.

It said the intervention ensured that council administrations continued to function smoothly across the state.

“The state government stepped in immediately to bridge the gap and sustain effective governance at the local level,” ALGON said.

The association further stated that local government administrations in Akwa Ibom are up to date with the payment of salaries and statutory entitlements.

The body of local governments added that workers received their 13th month salary in December, underscoring the priority placed on workers’ welfare.

“Salaries and statutory entitlements are being paid as and when due, including the 13th month salary paid in December,” ALGON asserted.

ALGON also acknowledged the role of Governor Umo Eno in assisting with the payment of backlog gratuities owed to local government retirees.

And, explained that the governor’s intervention was particularly significant given the shortfall in the November federal allocation shared in December.

“His Excellency’s support helped address outstanding gratuities owed to retirees at a critical period,” the association disclosed.

The association emphasized that the practice of the Akwa Ibom State Government augmenting local government allocations whenever there is a shortfall is not new, noting that it predates the current administration.

“This has been a long-standing practice of the Akwa Ibom State Government, even before the present administration,” ALGON said.

ALGON reaffirmed its commitment to transparent governance and sustained collaboration with the state government, stressing that such cooperation remains essential for continued development across Akwa Ibom State.